'SaveAmericasCinemas.org' Retains TransMedia Group to Promote the Efforts to Save the Small Cinema Owners from the 2013 Digital Doomsday

SaveAmericasCinemas.org to conduct America's First Power Ball Cinema Drawing. Drawing will enable one small-town movie theater to afford cost of switching to digital format so it can stay in business. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest

SaveAmericasCinemas.org to conduct America's First Power Ball Cinema Drawing. Drawing will enable one small-town movie theater to afford cost of switching to digital format so it can stay in business. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to save their local cinemas may call 1-800-429-9360 or log onto SaveAmericasCinemas.org. By the end of 2013, over 3000 cinemas will go dark because they cannot afford to go digital. SaveAmericasCinemas.org said notable actors will be attending drawing in Florida. Founder Walter Shaw wants ...

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2013, approximately 3,000 small town cinemas and theaters in America will shut down. These "Mom & Pop" theaters have been part of local communities for decades, but won't be able to stay open because they lack the funds needed to make the switch to digital equipment.

SAVE AMERICA'S CINEMAS is a 501(C)3 non-profit group solely dedicated to providing the financial assistance required to acquire digital equipment for these theaters and has retained TransMedia Group (www.transmediagroup.com) to promote it nationwide.

The Problem:For decades cinemas have been showing movies with 35mm film. Starting in 2013, this will no longer be the case as all movies will be shipped to cinemas and theaters across the country in digital format only. The only way to show movies to people will be to purchase digital projectors, sound systems, servers and movies screens.

The Cost: Up to $100,000 per cinema. These small town cinema owners, operating on small margins and modest incomes do not have the resources to convert and will close down and fall like 3,000 dominoes resulting in the loss of almost 50,000 jobs.

TransMedia Group is planning a special launch party in January that will feature celebrities, struggling cinema owners and the major companies that have partnered with Save America's Cinemas (www.saveamericascinemas.org). At the launch, a power ball type lottery will determine the first cinemas that will receive the funds to upgrade to digital.

"We are keenly aware of the historical, emotional and cultural damage that will be caused by the massive closings of these well established community icons that have brought joy and countless memories to generations of small town families across this great nation. We can save these theaters," said Walter T. Shaw. "We're excited that TransMedia Group is on board to help educate America that something needs to be done and can be done to save these cinema landmarks."